UN tells Burma to stop arrests

Updated 11.59 Mon Oct 15 2007

Keywords: UN, Ibrahim Gambari, Burma

United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has told Burma to stop arresting dissidents, describing the actions as "deeply disturbing".

He is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, at the start of a regional tour to drum up support for a co-ordinated diplomatic front.

Burma's ruling generals remain defiant, vowing to plough on with their own much-criticised "roadmap to democracy"

He said actions spoke louder than words and criticised the continued arrests and intimidation of activists, saying : "These actions must stop at once."

After the meeting Mr Gambari and Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont proposed a UN-backed regional forum on Burma - bringing together Southeast Asia along with India and China - in a bid to nudge the reclusive military leadership towards democratic reform.

But as the region begins a new diplomatic approach, following the failed strategies of sanctions or "constructive engagement", Burma's ruling generals remain defiant, vowing to plough on with their own much-criticised "roadmap to democracy".

The seven-point masterplan, unveiled in 2003, chart a course beyond the military rule of the last 45 years.

"We will go ahead. We will not deviate from our path," the junta's newspaper, the New Light of Myanmar, said. "Those who sincerely want to hold hands with us are welcome. We will get rid of the barriers and obstacles on the way."

After Thailand, Mr Gambari heads for Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China - all of whom have trading ties with Burma and remain opposed to sanctions, a tactic preferred by the West.

The European Union is also considering widening its sanctions from the existing asset freezes, travel bans and limited commercial embargoes to include trade in timber, gems and precious metals - all major junta money-spinners.

However, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and British counterpart David Milliband said it was important to offer incentives as well as threats.

"The EU needs to consider a package of positive measures to the Burmese people should the regime show its willingness to genuinely work for reconciliation," they said.